George Chapman

Date of Birth: 1559

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: May 12, 1634

Biography

George Chapman was an English poet, dramatist, and translator, born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, around 1559. He is best known for his translations of Homer’s works, which were among the first to bring the Greek epic poet’s stories to an English-speaking audience. His translation of “The Iliad” (completed in 1611) and “The Odyssey” (published in 1614) were highly regarded and influenced many later poets, including John Keats, who famously referenced Chapman in his poem “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer.” Chapman’s own poetry includes a series of philosophical and metaphysical works, such as “The Shadow of Night” (1594) and “Ovid’s Banquet of Sense” (1595). He also wrote a number of plays, both comedies and tragedies, including “Bussy D’Ambois” (1607), “The Conspiracy and Tragedy of Charles, Duke of Byron” (1608), and “The Gentleman Usher” (1606). Despite his significant contributions to literature, Chapman lived a life marked by financial difficulties and patronage from various noblemen.

5 Interesting Facts about George Chapman

1. George Chapman was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, and he was involved in the literary scene of Renaissance England.

2. His translations of Homer were completed in heroic couplets, a form that was innovative for translating epic poetry at the time.

3. Chapman was imprisoned several times due to his involvement in political and literary disputes.

4. He was known for his complex and often obscure style, which sometimes made his works challenging to read.

5. Chapman was also a mentor to the young playwright John Ford, who later became famous in his own right.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Chapman

1. “Give me a spirit that on this life’s rough sea loves t’ have his sails filled with a lusty wind.”

2. “He that no more must say, is listened more than they whom youth and ease have taught to gloss.”

3. “Promise is most given when the least is said.”

4. “They are the finest wits, and best poets, that have travelled in the paths of life and learn’d the ways of men.”

5. “Only a sweet and virtuous soul, like seasoned timber, never gives but when the whole world turns to coal, then chiefly lives.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Chapman’s net worth is difficult to ascertain in modern terms, but it is known that he struggled with financial issues throughout his life, often relying on the patronage of noblemen.